WEATHER: Chains required in mountains near Idyllwild

Chains were required Monday afternoon, April 8, for Highway 74 from Highway 243 to Lake Fulmor in the Idyllwild area. Both snow and rain were reported in the mountains there.

Also, a high-wind warning has been put into effect in Riverside and San Bernardino counties between 3 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, with the strongest gusts, up to 80 mph, forecast for the Coachella Valley. A previous warning was in effect Monday.

Motorists are advised to watch for blowing dust in the deserts, which could limit visibility. A big-rig overturned Monday morning on the eastbound Interstate 10 in Palm Springs. Such high-profile vehicles are particularly vulnerable in strong winds. A âdirt stormâ was reported in Romoland.

The California Highway Patrol announced a wind advisory for the Cajon Pass.

Rain was heavy in spots in the Inland Empire.

Ben Drake, a southwest Riverside County wine grape and avocado grower, said the Monday winds had little effect on the vineyards, but it was stirring some concerns for potential fruit damage among the avocado groves.

Some 8,000 acres worth of avocado trees cover hillsides in De Luz west of Temecula. The winds, Drake said, could snap stems, dropping avocados to the ground. If the stems don't break, he said, the winds could whip the fruit around among the branches, scratching and scarring the fruit.

âSo far we're OK,â he said late Monday morning. âBut we're right into our bloom period and we still have fruit left on the trees that weâre in the process of harvesting. (Scratches and scars on the avocados could) get us a lower grade than we normally would.â

The grade determines how much the avocados will sell for on the open market, Drake said.

On the plus side, âwe were happy to see we had a quite a bit of moisture this morning,â he said, adding that the average annual water costs for avocados is roughly $3,400, about three times as much than the cost of watering vineyards.

Super strong wind gusts prevailed early Monday in the Banning Pass from Palm Springs and the Highway 62 interchange to Beaumont along Interstate 10.

Sand from the desert and the mining operation near Morongo Casino Resort and Spa pummeled passing vehicles in several spots along the I-10; debris blew across the freeways.

The wind was so strong at some points that trucks slowed to 40 mph and most cars dropped their speed below 60.

Join the conversation

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to allow Freedom Communications, Inc. the right to republish your name and comment in additional Freedom publications without any notification or payment.